Who we are?

1st Tuesday’s Spoken Word is more than an open mic — it’s a movement.

Created by Dr. Terrell Irving and Dr. Karwanna Irving of Big Mouth Productions, this platform was born out of a shared commitment to uplift, inspire, and unite the community through creative expression.

Rooted in San Francisco, California, 1st Tuesday’s provides a positive space for authentic connection, cultural storytelling, and local empowerment. Through our partnership with the Life Skills Organization, we shine a spotlight on local talent, amplify small business visibility, and build creative bridges across neighborhoods throughout the city.

With over 20 years of combined experience in television production, event management, documentary filmmaking, and community programming, the Irvings have curated and hosted red-carpet events, poetry workshops, and artistic showcases across the Bayview and greater San Francisco area. Their work reflects a deep love for the arts and a commitment to showing the world the truth of who we are — strong, talented, resilient, and creative.

Now, 1st Tuesday’s Spoken Word is expanding beyond the stage. Our televised showcase, produced by Big Mouth Productions and Life Skills Organization, brings community artistry to local television networks and digital platforms—giving voice to the unseen and unheard. Each performance and story becomes a living testament that our communities are more than stereotypes — we are storytellers, creators, and visionaries.

This initiative also serves as a training ground for our production team and creative media participants, offering hands-on experience in filming, editing, and content creation. Together, we’re building a legacy of empowerment — one performance, one episode, and one story at a time.